Understanding the Tarsus: Anatomy and Function

TARS (Tarsus) is a term used in anatomy to refer to the hindlimb or rear leg of an animal, including humans. The word "tars" comes from the Greek word "ταρσός" (tarsos), which means "ankle".

In human anatomy, the tarsus is the region between the knee and the ankle, consisting of seven bones that form the hindfoot. These bones include the talus, calcaneus, cuboid, navicular, and three cuneiform bones. The tarsus plays a crucial role in weight-bearing and supports the body's weight during standing and walking.

In veterinary anatomy, the term "tarsus" is also used to refer to the hindlimb of animals, such as horses, cattle, and sheep. In these species, the tarsus consists of the metatarsal bones, which are similar to the long bones in the human foot, and the phalanges, which form the toes.

Overall, the tarsus is an important structure in both human and animal anatomy, providing support and stability for the body's weight and facilitating movement.